Starting with a trainer...

I have been wanting to lift weights for several years now, but my lack of knowledge and my fear and intimidation have held me back. I finally hired a trainer a month ago. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made! Not only is my physical health improving, but it has also done wonders for my mental health. I feel amazing and powerful. I have learned so much! I no longer feel intimidated. I deserve to be there lifting just as much as anyone else! And I'll let you in on a little secret--there are lots of really nice people lifting weights alongside me. I hope you love it as much as I do!

I completely understand! I'm ridiculously "gym-shy" too. But just do it- you won't regret it.

The first hardest part is done - you have an appointment. Next hardest is actually showing up. If your trainer is a good fit for YOU (and that's important...s/he has to be comfortable to be around), make your next appointment before you leave. There's less anxiety every time you go.

The big veiny trainers scare me and pushy, salespeople type trainers just suck. I tried a woman trainer and she handed me a cookie-cutter work out and told me to call her back when I could do it. Finally, I met this one trainer at a brand new, tiny gym and we clicked. This guy knows my weight. He knows my measurements and where I struggle with my diet. He sees me sweat in places I'd rather not mention. (He has also accidentally seen the "jelly roll" on more than one occasion.) He's seen me fall on my butt, fail a lift over and over and walked me through a new move that I was nervous about trying. It's not surprising to get a text after a rough work out that says "Hey- you did a great job today powering through!" or on Pizza Friday in our house I'll get "treat yourself, but don't cheat yourself tonight!" He genuinely loves what he does and it shows. Find someone that treats you like a person and not a paycheck.

I love working out with my trainer! I have hired trainers before and they have all been mostly good experiences. Although, like mrp56839, I did have one trainer that put me through a cookie cutter workout, the same workout he put all his other clients through -- and required two a days. It was my first experience with a trainer and I hung in there for 8 months before I finally said, enough is enough! I want someone that works for me, sets up a program for me and if I need/want more, is willing to help me design a good cardio workout or accessory exercise (like yoga or flexibility training) to go with the strength training program they have designed. What I do not want is someone to require me (at 60+ lbs overweight) to work out on the same level as people way more fit than me, on the same program -- like an athlete two times a day. I was so miserable but I did it for 8 months (while I was getting ready for my wedding). Now, I won't say I didn't get results because I did! What I also got was an injury because my "trainer" didn't want to tailor my program to ME. So like mrp56839 said, make sure the trainer is a fit FOR YOU and that s/he listens to you because you know your body. Pushing you past your comfort zone is one thing -- pushing to injury is another. If you don't feel it is a good fit, don't be afraid to ask for another trainer. It doesn't mean s/he isn't good at his job, s/he just might not be the right fit for you -- and that is okay!

Having said that, I have had several trainers and they have all had different styles and been so much help. Right now, I have a really fun trainer that has a great sense of humor and trusts me to know my body, and I trust him to push me harder than I would push myself, without pushing me over that cliff. I look forward to my workouts and I know without a doubt, that there are days that I get my butt to that gym because I don't want to disappoint him! HAHA Motivation is motivation, right?

You will love it! I know it was the best decision I made! Good luck!

Gwennie60 wrote: »

I love working out with my trainer! I have hired trainers before and they have all been mostly good experiences. Although, like mrp56839, I did have one trainer that put me through a cookie cutter workout, the same workout he put all his other clients through -- and required two a days. It was my first experience with a trainer and I hung in there for 8 months before I finally said, enough is enough! I want someone that works for me, sets up a program for me and if I need/want more, is willing to help me design a good cardio workout or accessory exercise (like yoga or flexibility training) to go with the strength training program they have designed. What I do not want is someone to require me (at 60+ lbs overweight) to work out on the same level as people way more fit than me, on the same program -- like an athlete two times a day. I was so miserable but I did it for 8 months (while I was getting ready for my wedding). Now, I won't say I didn't get results because I did! What I also got was an injury because my "trainer" didn't want to tailor my program to ME. So like mrp56839 said, make sure the trainer is a fit FOR YOU and that s/he listens to you because you know your body. Pushing you past your comfort zone is one thing -- pushing to injury is another. If you don't feel it is a good fit, don't be afraid to ask for another trainer. It doesn't mean s/he isn't good at his job, s/he just might not be the right fit for you -- and that is okay!

Having said that, I have had several trainers and they have all had different styles and been so much help. Right now, I have a really fun trainer that has a great sense of humor and trusts me to know my body, and I trust him to push me harder than I would push myself, without pushing me over that cliff. I look forward to my workouts and I know without a doubt, that there are days that I get my butt to that gym because I don't want to disappoint him! HAHA Motivation is motivation, right?

You will love it! I know it was the best decision I made! Good luck!

Omg, I don't think I could have done 8 months of that. I'm glad that you found your good fit! And I totally agree with not wanting to disappoint him. Some days you just have to dig That deep for the motivation!

Usually it's just me and my PT at the gym (on the floor at least), but today I actually had two great trainers working with me! (The one was working out himself and came over to us) It was funny listening to them debate about my program, my form, how many reps I was on.... It was all eyes me day, but they have good intentions and it really wasn't uncomfortable.

I love my PT, I've learned a lot from him. He's lent me many of his own books on fitness & nutrition. Don't be afraid to ask questions about your workout, exercises, nutrition, etc. if they can't answer they should let you know. You'll learn proper exercise technique & how to use the different equipment so you'll feel very comfortable even working out on the equipment in no time. Best wishes & have fun!

I also have a trainer and would highly recommend it. I was really finding it hard to go into the weights room and just wanted someone to show me how to do things properly. Now I've been working with him for over 6 months and have totally changed my attitude to the gym. I love working out and it's great to have someone else to be accountable too.

It sounds like you've found a good one so I'm sure it'll work out for you too.